QA Michael Moorcock & The Final Programme screening

Pulp novelist, sci-fi pioneer and sometime member of Hawkwind, Michael Moorcock has written scores of subversive, groundbreaking cult books.

The BFI are screening a rare example of a big screen adaptation – don't miss this chance to The Final Programme.

Jon Finch is terrific as hip, party-hungry adventurer Jerry Cornelius, troubled by the recent passing of his father but reluctantly on the hunt for the mysterious 'Final Programme': dad’s design for the perfect self-replicating human. Meanwhile, his sister is missing and his drugged-up brother holds fierce dominion over the house where the missing microfilm is supposedly located. Somehow Jerry has to get his head together, and deal with gorgeous, icily seductive Miss Bruner (Jenny Runacre) – who's also after the design. Terrific performances all round in this fast-moving, futuristic update of the thrilling adventure tales of yesteryear, with an unmissable supporting turn from a cigar-chomping Sterling Hayden.

Director: Robert Fuest
Starring: Jon Finch, Jenny Runacre, Hugh Griffith, Patrick Magee, Sterling Hayden
USA, 1973, 2009, 81 mins

QA Michael Moorcock & The Final Programme screening

Where:
BFI Southbank,Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT


When:
9:00pm, Tues 10 Aug, 2010

More info:
Over at the BFI website

Bret Easton Ellis Talks

Always controversial and incisive, Bret Easton Ellis is one of the leading novelists of our age. He returns to Southbank Centre to launch his latest novel, Imperial Bedrooms, which re-unites Clay and the characters from Less Than Zero as they confront middle-age in contemporary Los Angeles.

This is a world of rehab, plastic surgery and betrayal, with Clay and his circle battling familiar personal demons. Bret Easton Ellis discusses his writing and takes questions from the audience.

Bret Easton Ellis Talks

Where:
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

When:
7:30pm, Tues 31 Jul, 2010

More info:Over at the Southbank Centre website

Sci-Fi-London: What I needed to know before going - Sci-Fi-London 9

With the 48 Hour Film making Challenge submissions being judged and only 2 weeks to go until one of the UK’s premiere film & Sci-Fi events: SCI-FI-LONDON kicks off. I’m going to be bringing you news and information about SCI-FI-LONDON in the run up, as well as excitingly from the festival as it happens! I have already reserved some seats and earmarked others for closer investigation.

SCI-FI-LONDON festival ident
Uploaded by SFLTV. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.

However that’s the future this post is about stuff that I wanted to know before I visited the SCI-FI-LONDON festival for the first time.

What’s it all about?
SCI-FI-LONDON was started by Sci-Fi fan Louis Savy back in 2001. Borne out of an argument, in which the opposing side believed that Sci-Fi is too niche. To counter this Savy decided to start an event that showed good films (that happened to be Science Fiction) and talks about SCI-FI-LONDON as a Sci-Fi festival for non Sci-Fi fans.

Fast Forward to 2010 and now in its 9th year SCI-FI-LONDON is one of the UK’s premiere film events and is seen as the opening of London Film Season which ends with the London Film Festival in October. On my first visit it became apparent that SCI-FI-LONDON is more than just a film festival it's a platform that actively promotes thinking and engaging with real issues within the Sci-Fi realm as well as the real world. It also gives Sci-Fi aficionados the chance to interact with renowned Sci-Fi thinkers and Futurists! What does this all mean you may ask?

Well like Science Fiction, a single encompassing answer would do the festival a disservice so read on and hopefully it will become clearer.


When is it?
SCI-FI-LONDON is an annual event that typically stretches over a week at the end of April to make the most of the Bank holiday. This year the Festival runs from Weds 28 April till Mon 3 May. There are a couple of satellite events that take place at other times of the year including Oktoberfest a mini festival that takes place in October.

What happens?
Every year a central theme is chosen as focus for the festival. This year the festival looks at LIFE IN 2050.

From the SCI-FI-LONDON website:

“Okay, so it is 2010, but wouldn’t it be fun to get a glimpse of how life might feel in 2050? Recently we have focused on the achievements of 40 years ago: the moon landing, the start of Arpanet (the origin of the Internet) and the humble computer mouse, and even the launch of the Jumbo Jet. The way we live has certainly altered – we travel and communicate faster than ever; we touchscreen our way around information and carry 1000s of songs in our pockets.

But what next? In 2050 what will we be nostalgic about? How will our daily lives be different? Work, travel, socialising... will anyone still smoke?

For this edition of the festival, we put LIFE IN 2050 under the spotlight. We have put together a series of themed LAB sessions in which to investigate the future of science, society and culture over the next 40 years.”

The Festival itself consists of Film screenings and participatory events such as workshops, exhibitions or debates. This year the programme which is available in full here consists of:

Films
The film shown typically eschews big American style blockbusters (although they do surface occasionally) and focuses on good films that integrally have Sci-Fi at their core. Some of the screenings may have introductions or QA sessions after. Check individual listings.

Some of the films shown will be having their UK Premiere or preview screenings well in advance of their release date. The opening night and closing night screenings are special and tickets for Splice & Cargo will go quickly so get your orders in asap.


Other screenings include; special once off screenings, classic screenings, free screenings (you need to book before the screening). Some will be little known works from masters of the genre, this year SFL looks at Polish Cinema.

Some of the films will be shown In situ with others of its genus as part of an all-nighter marathon including; Starcraft II All-nighter, Comedy All-nighter, Japan Alive All-nighter and Manga All-nighter

There are also 2 short film sessions taking place. These sessions are about 2 hours in length and made of a variety of short films. As well as Documentary screenings.

Events
Most of the events are interactive and participation is encouraged. Some of the events are Gala opportunities to celebrate, some are invitation only events, others are debates, some hands on workshops and others the opportunity to interact with like minded individuals.


Where does SCI-FI-LONDON take place?
Nearly all of SCI-FI-LONDON 09 will take place in the centre of London at the space age Apollo Cinema Piccadilly Circus (19 Lower Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR). But some events will take place at other venues, do check individual listings before booking.

What do I need to come along to an event or a couple of events?
Two things: book or reserve your ticket and then turn up for the event.

For film screenings there are 4 price bands. Check the SCI-FI-LONDON site to ensure that prices are still current.

1. Screenings after 6.00pm - £12.00 (concs £8.50)
2. Screenings Before 6.00pm - £8.00 (concs £6.50)
3. All-nighters - £30.00 (no concs)
4. Special screenings – Free

Events

1. All SCI-FI-LONDON LAB events - £4.00 (concs £3.00)
2. Special events - Free

What if I want to attend a number of screenings or events?
There are details of multi ticket offers and discounts on the SCI-FI-LONDON website.

Information, booking details and details of special offers can be found over at the SCI-FI-LONDON website

What do I do if I'm going to 2 events a couple of hours apart, or have some time to kill before an event?
The Apollo Cinema Piccadilly Circus is comfortable and for the duration of SCI-FI-LONDON - a hub of activity there is; a bar, refreshment area, comfortable seating, possibly a DJ (some of the time), as well as demo Game consoles to try your hand at some of the latest and greatest games. Or you could explore nearby London you will after all be in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world.

What’s the general atmosphere of the festival? Do you have to dress up?
Laid back with lots of friendly new faces about. Think of it as a whole lot of people interested in aspects of the same thing converging in one place. Wear what ever you feel comfortable in (including Cosplay) although nakedness will probably be frowned upon. If you are going to be exploring London wear comfortable shoes. It’s probably worth noting that goody/SWAG bags are handed out randomly at screenings and events to add to the cheer. See laid back with lots of friendly new faces about. Often groups will hang around the bar area after screenings or head off to a nearby pub to discuss the days happenings.

What about travel, accommodation, etc.
SCI-FI-LONDON covers this on their website so head over here for more information.

I think that covers the basics for now but head over to the SCI-FI-LONDON website as there is a wealth of information, the full SCI-FI-LONDON 09 Programme, forums, more videos than you can shake a stick out, Podcasts and merchandise.

What I needed to know about Sci-Fi-London before going.

Where
Apollo Apollo Piccadilly Circus
19 Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR

When
Weds 28 April - Mon 3 May, 2010

More info at SCI-FI-LONDON or get tickets at 0871 220 6000 or directly through the Apollo Cinemas Website

Mark Kermode' It's Only a Movie Tour at the Phoenix Cinema

What happens when you spend most of your childhood in a cinema? Is excessive consumption of films bad for you?

By the look of things you write a book called It's Only a Movie and then you go on a tour of the UK promoting it.

What happens when you spend most of your childhood in a cinema? Is excessive consumption of films bad for you?

Britain's leading film critic Mark Kermode considers these questions (plus more from the audience), drawing on scenes from real life: getting shot at while interviewing Werner Herzog in the Hollywood Hills, being handbagged by Helen Mirren at the BAFTAs, and being thrown out of the Cannes Film Festival for heckling in very bad French.
If you grew up believing that Planet of the Apes told you all you needed to know about politics, that Slade in Flame was a savage exposé of the pop world, and that The Exorcist revealed the meaning of life, then you probably spent far too many of your formative years at the cinema. Just as likely, you soon would have realised that there was only one career open to you - you'd have to become a film critic.

UPDATE: You can follow twitter updates on the It's Only a Movie Tour here @KermodeMovie ( http://twitter.com/KermodeMovie)

Below is an except from Kermode's book about the Werner Herzog shooting followed by a video clip of the shocking event.

We were somewhere near Lookout Mountain, on the outskirts of LA, when Werner Herzog's trousers exploded. It was a small explosion, admittedly, as if a firecracker had gone off in his pocket. But it was an explosion none the less and in an area where unexpected bangs are to be treated with suspicion, if not outright alarm. Herzog had been shot – that much was clear – and was even now bleeding quietly into his boxer shorts as a tiny plume of smoke drifted photogenically from his pelvic region and into the evening air of LA. We stood there, the bold Bavarian with a bullet in his groin and the befuddled British film critic with ridiculous hair from Barnet, in a silence broken only by Herzog's morosely German observation: "Someone is shooting at us. We should leave…"

Mark Kermode' It's Only a Movie Tour at the Phoenix Cinema

Where
Phoenix Cinema
52 High Road, East Finchley, London, N2 9PJ

When
7.45pm, Fri 12t Feb, 2010

More info at The Phoenix Cinema or head over to Mark's It's only a movie site!

Jasper Fforde in London launching Shades of Grey

Author (and comic genius) Jasper Fford will be visiting London as part of his multi-city promotional tour for his new book Shades of Grey.

Imagine a black and white world where colour is a commodity; an extraordinary world where the unexpected is commonplace; brought to life by a creative and comic genius. Now enter it.

Monday 18th January
1pm LUNCHTIME SIGNING: LONDON, FORBIDDEN PLANET
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8JR

6:30pm EVENING TALK: LONDON, FOYLES BOOKSHOP
113 - 119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB

Sir Roger Moore in Conversation

To close the BFI's tribute season to Cubby Broccoli, they are delighted to welcome to the BFI Southbank stage the man who, in taking on the role no less than seven times, helped establish James Bond as the archetypal British hero – Sir Roger Moore. First coming to prominence as Simon Templar in the hugely successful spy-thriller TV series The Saint, he claimed his most famous role as 007 with 1973's Live and Let Die. Bringing a more relaxed and suave tone to Bond Sir Roger was instrumental in extending the life of the charming but deadly secret agent. Now an ambassador for UNICEF and highly commended for his charitable work, he will discuss the exhilarating world of 007, his memories of Broccoli and his career so far.

Sir Roger Moore in Conversation
Thursday May 28, 2009 at 6:20pm
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
London, England SE1 8XT

Stephen Fry talks about his travels to America at the V&A, London

A conversation with the celebrated author, wit and comic genius Stephen Fry about his long-held fascination with America and its people, cultures, and landscapes. Questions cover some of the high points of the recent epic journey in which he travelled across 50 states in a black cab and explore a country that is at times magnificent, eccentric, beautiful and strange. The event coincides with the publication of his new book, Stephen Fry in America (HarperCollins 2008) and the television series of the same name.

Our Friday night Lecture Theatre programme features big names from the world of design, art and culture. All talks take place in the Lecture Theatre from 19.00-20.00 unless otherwise stated.

Stephen Fry - In America
Wednesday 26 November 2008
Lecture Theatre
19.00-20.00

The story of James Bond - A tribute to Ian Fleming climax

Jeremy Irons, Stephen Fry, Beverley Knight, Lucy Fleming, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Craig, Joanna Lumley, Gemma Arteton, Roger Moore & Harriet Walter, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Some of the cast from the evening including; Jeremy Irons, Stephen Fry, Beverley Knight, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Craig, Joanna Lumley, Gemma Arteton, Roger Moore & Harriet Walter acknowleding Ian Fleming, the cast & crew fo the show and Lucy Fleming for the evening.

The evening started with a 60 piece orchestra conducted by Michael Reed kicking off with the Bond Theme "Overture".

The rest of the night magically unveiled the history of Ian Fleming entwined with that of James Bond. This was done by key excerpts from Fleming's life and the Bond books being read by former Bond stars, Bond(00)files and freinds of theFleming family, interspersed with video and stills as well as the music of Bond and the times recited by an all star cast.

There were to many highlights to mention but standout events such as; the man behind Bond's history brought to life, countless Bond cast making an appearance (including classic Bond girls), the music of Bond brought to life by some electryfing vocals (Beverley Knight stealing the show with her rendition of "A License To Kill" & the closing "Nobody Does It Better") and the touching Ian Fleming eulogy read by Daniel Craig.

Roger Moore, 007 & Classic Bond Girls

Roger Moore, 007 & Classic Bond Girls, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Amongst the star studded cast where; Maryam D'Abo (Kara Milovy in The living Dayights), Zena Marshall (Miss Taro in Dr. No), Shirley Eaton (Jill Masterson in Golfinger), Eunice Gayson (Sylvia Trench in Dr. No), Roger Moore (James Bond), Madeline Smith (Miss Caruso in Live And Let Die), Tania Mallet (Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger), , Caroline Munro (Naomi in The Spy Who Loved Me) & Joanna Lumley (The English Girl in On Her Majesty's Secret Service).

Arm in sling Daniel Craig reading Ian Fleming's eulogy

Daniel Craig , James Bond, 007, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Daniel Craig reading Ian Fleming's eulogy at the "The story of James Bond - A tribute to Ian Fleming". Note his right arm in a tailored black sling.

Sir Roger Moore book signings in London

Sir Roger Moore book signings in London

Official press release received from Sir Roger Moore's office pertaining to signing sessions in London for his forthcoming autobiography:

Sir Roger will be appearing at 3 Waterstones stores to sign copies of
MY WORD IS MY BOND.

Waterstones Piccadilly, London
15th October at 5.30pm

Waterstones Bluewater
17th October, 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Waterstones Norwich (Castle Street)
22nd October, 1.30pm to 2.30pm

He will ONLY be signing copies of his autobiography, and queues will be formed on a first come first served basis.

Additionally Sir Roger will be signing after his Platform Event at the National Theatre, London, on October 16th.

Signed books will also be available after his tribute evening at the BFI Southbank (formerly NFT) on October 13th, during which episodes of THE SAINT and THE PERSUADERS which he directed, along with an IVANHOE, will be screened and followed by an on-stage interview and Q&A.

The story of James Bond - A tribute to Ian Fleming

This afternoon I'll be dusting off the old Yves Saint Laurent tux - as I was lucky enough to crack tickets to this evenings "unique, grand finale event to the successful centenary year of Ian Fleming". - "The story of James Bond - A tribute to Ian Fleming" at the Palladium.

Stars from the worlds of film and theatre will take part, reading and performing Fleming's memorable words, some pieces never heard before. A 60 piece orchestra will accompany star recording artists to play the original much loved Bond theme tunes. An evening of great entertainment will reveal the extraordinary story of the creation of Britain's favourite spy, James Bond.

Hosted by Joanna Lumley and Stephen Fry, stars include, Samantha Bond, Charlie Dance, Judi Dench, Sebastian Faulks, David Gilmour, Charlie Higson, Jeremy Irons, Lee Mead, Christopher Lee, Roger Moore, Rosamund Pike, Ruby Turner, Lemar, Toby Stephens, Patrick Stewart, David Suchet, Harriet Walter, David Walliams and more to be announced.

A sneak preview clip from the new James Bond film, A Quantum of Solace, will ensure that it is an evening not to be missed.

For any Bondophile this promises to be an amazing event apart from the obvious- I am hoping to experience John Barry and David Arnold lead the 60 piece orchestra through some classic Bond theme tunes. Nother unique experience will be David Gilmour re-imagining "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Does it get any better than this?

Malcolm Gladwell and Steven Levitt Tipping Point Strategies in The Age of Freakonomics Seminar

"When two of the business world's most thought-provoking intellectuals share the same platform at the same event then you're going to learn more about yourself, your business, and its impact on society than you ever thought possible.

What's more, this conference in London will change your priorities, it will help you redefine strategy and allow you and your business to focus on what's important for sustained success.

Steven Levitt's revolutionary book, Freakonomics (2005), co-authored with Stephen Dubner, is an international bestseller and has catapulted Levitt to international stardom. Levitt is currently a Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago, and has been described as a rogue economist. This is his first UK public conference.

Gladwell has been a staff writer with The New Yorker magazine since 1996, and in 2005 he was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. He is the author of two books, both of which were international bestsellers, The Tipping Point and Blink."
Malcolm Gladwell and Steven Levitt Tipping Point Strategies in The Age of Freakonomics Seminar

Where
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London, England SW1P

When
5:30pm, Mon 17 September, 2007


More info at LSE

William Gibson in London talks about "Cool"

William Gibson - live in London, August 28th BLACKWELL and SCI-FI-LONDON present a series of talks and lectures by some of the leading lights in science fiction, fantasy and cutting-edge literature.

You are invited to an "Evening with William Gibson" at the Congress Centre, Great Russell Street, London.

To celebrate the publication of Spook Country, William will be in talking about his new novel, taking questions from the audience and signing copies of Spook Country. Chairperson tbc.

William Gibson is the revered pundit of post-industrialism and creator of cyberspace. It has been several years since Gibson has been to the UK, don't miss this chance to listen to this visionary author.

An Evening With William Gibson , London

Sci-Fi-London (The London International Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film) and Blackwell booksellers present this forthcoming Spook Country promotional event: An Evening with William Gibson at the Congress Centre, Great Russell Street, London.

To celebrate the publication of Spook Country, William will be in talking about his new novel, taking questions from the audience and signing copies of Spook Country.

William Gibson is the revered pundit of post-industrialism and creator of cyberspace. It has been several years since Gibson has been to the UK, don't miss this chance to listen to this visionary author.

This venue, in the basement of the Trades Union Congress headquarters building is the same one at which William Gibson gave a reading from, and signed copies of Pattern Recognition in 2003.

Congress Centre

28 Great Russell Street
London, England WC1B 3LS

In conversation with Bill Moggeridge, NESTA, London

In conversation with Bill Moggeridge, NESTA, London

In conversation with Bill Moggeridge, NESTA, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

From Spy.co.uk:
What can businesses keen to innovate and improve draw from design? From the Cox Review and the Stanford d.school, BusinessWeek magazine to the Institute of Design Strategy Conference, the role of design in business has taken on new dimensions. From offering new ways for executives to think, to informing corporate strategy, from creating new models for organisational design to providing new sources of revenue, it is argued by many leading thinkers that design thinking and methods are increasing in relevance and significance.

Bill Moggridge will present his thinking on this subject, drawing on his pioneering work as co-founder of IDEO and his insights offered in his recently published book Designing Interactions (MIT Press). Then, in conversation, Nico Macdonald will investigate these issues with Mr. Moggridge. We will then open up to an audience discussion around these themes.

Award-winning designer Bill Moggridge is a founder of IDEO, one of the most successful design firms in the world and one of the first to integrate the design of software and hardware into the practice of industrial design. He has been Visiting Professor in Interaction Design at the Royal College of Art in London, Lecturer in Design at the London Business School, member of the Steering Committee for the Interaction Design Institute in Ivrea, Italy, and is currently Consulting Associate Professor in the Joint Program in Design at Stanford University. Bill’s career has had three phases; first as designer, then as a manager of design, and now as a communicator, working as a writer, graphic designer and video maker. His fascination with design, and with what people want from everyday things, has given him a broad view of the information revolution.

Award-winning designer Bill Moggridge is a founder of IDEO, one of the most successful design firms in the world and one of the first to integrate the design of software and hardware into the practice of industrial design. He has been Visiting Professor in Interaction Design at the Royal College of Art in London, Lecturer in Design at the London Business School, member of the Steering Committee for the Interaction Design Institute in Ivrea, Italy, and is currently Consulting Associate Professor in the Joint Program in Design at Stanford University. Bill’s career has had three phases; first as designer, then as a manager of design, and now as a communicator, working as a writer, graphic designer and video maker. His fascination with design, and with what people want from everyday things, has given him a broad view of the information revolution.